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The Coronavirus: What Travelers Need to Know The Coronavirus: What Travelers Need to Know
(32 minutes later)
The death toll from a novel coronavirus has now reached more than 100 people, with most of the more than 4,500 cases reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the disease. At least 12 other countries have also reported cases, and five people in the United States have been diagnosed; all had recently returned from China.The death toll from a novel coronavirus has now reached more than 100 people, with most of the more than 4,500 cases reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the disease. At least 12 other countries have also reported cases, and five people in the United States have been diagnosed; all had recently returned from China.
On Monday, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised avoiding all nonessential travel to China. Hong Kong has suspended high-speed train service and curtailed flights to and from mainland China.On Monday, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised avoiding all nonessential travel to China. Hong Kong has suspended high-speed train service and curtailed flights to and from mainland China.
Here’s what travelers making their way to or from China can expect.Here’s what travelers making their way to or from China can expect.
The outbreak of the deadly coronavirus is centered in Wuhan, a city of 11 million and the capital of Hubei Province in China. Wuhan is a major manufacturing center, but not known as a tourist destination.The outbreak of the deadly coronavirus is centered in Wuhan, a city of 11 million and the capital of Hubei Province in China. Wuhan is a major manufacturing center, but not known as a tourist destination.
Travelers to Wuhan are likely visiting friends and family, or are business travelers connected to that city’s manufacturing industry. Most business travelers will have already returned home as the factories recently closed for the Lunar New Year — as is tradition. Last week, the Chinese authorities imposed a blanket travel ban on Wuhan and surrounding cities in Hubei Province, a population of 35 million people. No planes, trains or buses are going in and out.Travelers to Wuhan are likely visiting friends and family, or are business travelers connected to that city’s manufacturing industry. Most business travelers will have already returned home as the factories recently closed for the Lunar New Year — as is tradition. Last week, the Chinese authorities imposed a blanket travel ban on Wuhan and surrounding cities in Hubei Province, a population of 35 million people. No planes, trains or buses are going in and out.
All flights in and out of Wuhan have been suspended, and airlines worldwide have announced that they will allow passengers who are traveling to, from or through Beijing or Shanghai to rebook their itineraries without a change fee. There are restrictions, however. Passengers are advised to contact their flight carrier. All flights in and out of Wuhan have been suspended, and some airlines have canceled flights to other cities in China. Other airlines have announced that they will allow passengers who are traveling to, from or through Beijing or Shanghai to rebook their itineraries without a change fee. There are restrictions, however. Passengers are advised to contact their flight carrier.
United Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of 24 flights from their hub cities in the United States (Newark, Chicago, Washington and San Francisco) to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. The suspensions start from Feb. 2 and last through Feb. 8. The airline had added Chengdu (in addition to Beijing and Shanghai) to its change-fee waiver, and will allow passengers to rebook without penalty (but with payment of any difference in fare) for trips after Feb. 7.
Delta Air Lines states that no refunds will be issued and rebooked travel must begin before March 31, 2020, to avoid change fees and the difference in fare; after Mar. 31, the change fee will be waived but passengers will be assessed any applicable difference in fare.) Passengers may cancel their itineraries in exchange for a future travel credit (but with payment of any difference in fare and the applicable change fee).Delta Air Lines states that no refunds will be issued and rebooked travel must begin before March 31, 2020, to avoid change fees and the difference in fare; after Mar. 31, the change fee will be waived but passengers will be assessed any applicable difference in fare.) Passengers may cancel their itineraries in exchange for a future travel credit (but with payment of any difference in fare and the applicable change fee).
American Airlines will permit travelers to delay their trips for up to one year from the original ticket date without change fees (but with payment of any difference in fare). United Airlines added Chengdu (in addition to Beijing and Shanghai) to its waiver, and will allow passengers to rebook without change fees (but with payment of any difference in fare) for trips after Feb. 7. Similarly, Air Canada offers permits passengers to rebook their flight free of charge until Apr. 15, and Lufthansa allows for changed itineraries for trips before Sept. 30. Emirates passengers may request a refund if they no longer wish to travel to Shanghai, Beijing or Guangzhou (for travel up to Feb. 6) or change their travel dates (for travel up to Feb. 29). American Airlines will permit travelers to delay their trips for up to one year from the original ticket date without change fees (but with payment of any difference in fare). Similarly, Air Canada offers permits passengers to rebook their flight free of charge until Apr. 15, and Lufthansa allows for changed itineraries for trips before Sept. 30. Emirates passengers may request a refund if they no longer wish to travel to Shanghai, Beijing or Guangzhou (for travel up to Feb. 6) or change their travel dates (for travel up to Feb. 29).
Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based carrier, and Cathay Dragon, its regional subsidiary which operates in mainland China, are permitting passengers to rebook or reroute flights without charge to mainland China, so long as passengers travel on or before May 31. Travelers anticipating visiting China in the coming weeks should monitor their airline’s website for updates.Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based carrier, and Cathay Dragon, its regional subsidiary which operates in mainland China, are permitting passengers to rebook or reroute flights without charge to mainland China, so long as passengers travel on or before May 31. Travelers anticipating visiting China in the coming weeks should monitor their airline’s website for updates.
In a first since the SARS crisis in 2002 and 2003, Cathay Pacific is permitting its crew and staff to wear surgical masks at work. Likewise, American Airlines: “While it is not medically recommended, American will allow flight attendants to wear masks on flights to and from Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong,” said Curtis Blessing, an American spokesman, in a statement. The masks are ubiquitous across Asia, but not common in North America.In a first since the SARS crisis in 2002 and 2003, Cathay Pacific is permitting its crew and staff to wear surgical masks at work. Likewise, American Airlines: “While it is not medically recommended, American will allow flight attendants to wear masks on flights to and from Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong,” said Curtis Blessing, an American spokesman, in a statement. The masks are ubiquitous across Asia, but not common in North America.
American, United and Delta are providing additional hand-sanitizing wipes for flights between the United States and China.American, United and Delta are providing additional hand-sanitizing wipes for flights between the United States and China.
Dr. Paulo Alves, the global medical director at MedAire, a Phoenix provider of in-flight, virtual medical care to airlines and their passengers worldwide, said masks are meant to contain to the droplets that someone emits when sneezing or coughing. Passengers are not being issued surgical masks by airlines.Dr. Paulo Alves, the global medical director at MedAire, a Phoenix provider of in-flight, virtual medical care to airlines and their passengers worldwide, said masks are meant to contain to the droplets that someone emits when sneezing or coughing. Passengers are not being issued surgical masks by airlines.
Foreign and domestic airlines typically operate dozens of daily flights from the United States to China, primarily to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. China Southern operated direct flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport, San Francisco International and Wuhan. Before the travel lockdown, passengers could have connected in China to Wuhan through code-share partners such as Cathay Pacific, Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines.Foreign and domestic airlines typically operate dozens of daily flights from the United States to China, primarily to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. China Southern operated direct flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport, San Francisco International and Wuhan. Before the travel lockdown, passengers could have connected in China to Wuhan through code-share partners such as Cathay Pacific, Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines.
The decision behind which American airports screen passengers is made by the C.D.C., which last week began scanning passengers for signs of infection at Kennedy, San Francisco International, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.The decision behind which American airports screen passengers is made by the C.D.C., which last week began scanning passengers for signs of infection at Kennedy, San Francisco International, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, Los Angeles International and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
At a news briefing in Washington on Tuesday, C.D.C. officials said they were expanding the number of entry ports that would screen passengers, from five to 20. These include ports for both land and air.At a news briefing in Washington on Tuesday, C.D.C. officials said they were expanding the number of entry ports that would screen passengers, from five to 20. These include ports for both land and air.
Screenings will now take place at existing C.D.C. quarantine stations, most of which are at airports. These include the current five airports as well as other ports in Anchorage, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, El Paso, Honolulu, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle and San Juan in Puerto Rico. Washington Dulles International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport will also have screening facilities.Screenings will now take place at existing C.D.C. quarantine stations, most of which are at airports. These include the current five airports as well as other ports in Anchorage, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, El Paso, Honolulu, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle and San Juan in Puerto Rico. Washington Dulles International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport will also have screening facilities.
In Asia and the United States, passengers are scanned with thermal devices to measure their temperature. Passengers with symptoms such as high fever may undergo additional screening, and even off-site monitoring at specialized facilities.In Asia and the United States, passengers are scanned with thermal devices to measure their temperature. Passengers with symptoms such as high fever may undergo additional screening, and even off-site monitoring at specialized facilities.
In a statement released Tuesday, the C.D.C. said that the Customs and Border Protection agency will identify all travelers from the affected areas and provide them with a printed health alert notice. The notice provides travelers with information on what to do if they experience coronavirus symptoms within 14 days after arriving in the United States. Immigration officials will refer ill travelers with symptoms specific to novel coronavirus and a connection to China to C.D.C. staff at the airport for evaluation.In a statement released Tuesday, the C.D.C. said that the Customs and Border Protection agency will identify all travelers from the affected areas and provide them with a printed health alert notice. The notice provides travelers with information on what to do if they experience coronavirus symptoms within 14 days after arriving in the United States. Immigration officials will refer ill travelers with symptoms specific to novel coronavirus and a connection to China to C.D.C. staff at the airport for evaluation.
On Monday, the C.D.C. said that Americans should avoid all nonessential travel to China.On Monday, the C.D.C. said that Americans should avoid all nonessential travel to China.
“Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan and other cities in Hubei Province, including buses, subways, trains and the international airport,” it said in an updated notice. “Additional restrictions and cancellations of events may occur.”“Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan and other cities in Hubei Province, including buses, subways, trains and the international airport,” it said in an updated notice. “Additional restrictions and cancellations of events may occur.”
“There is limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas,” it added.“There is limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas,” it added.
The agency maintains a website that travelers can check to get the latest recommendations.The agency maintains a website that travelers can check to get the latest recommendations.
Some of the most popular tourist destinations, including the National Museum of China and the Forbidden City (both in Beijing), were closed over the weekend.Some of the most popular tourist destinations, including the National Museum of China and the Forbidden City (both in Beijing), were closed over the weekend.
The Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, a popular attraction around 40 miles outside of Beijing, was also closed, as were the Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Park (the hotels at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort remain open). No date has been announced for reopening any of these sites. In addition, multiday celebrations for the Lunar New Year have been canceled in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.The Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, a popular attraction around 40 miles outside of Beijing, was also closed, as were the Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Park (the hotels at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort remain open). No date has been announced for reopening any of these sites. In addition, multiday celebrations for the Lunar New Year have been canceled in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Wuhan, at the center of the outbreak, lies on the Yangtze River. The river is a popular multi-night cruise route that includes visits to the Three Gorges Dam, which is in Hubei Province. No official announcements on the status of these river cruises have been announced, so travelers who have booked cruises should contact their travel agencies.Wuhan, at the center of the outbreak, lies on the Yangtze River. The river is a popular multi-night cruise route that includes visits to the Three Gorges Dam, which is in Hubei Province. No official announcements on the status of these river cruises have been announced, so travelers who have booked cruises should contact their travel agencies.
Some cruise lines are rescheduling and canceling trips, while others are increasing screening procedures for travelers embarking at Chinese ports.Some cruise lines are rescheduling and canceling trips, while others are increasing screening procedures for travelers embarking at Chinese ports.
Costa Cruises, MSC, Royal Caribbean and Victoria Cruises canceled a combined 18 sailings to China, according to Cruise Critic, a cruise review website. Costa Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, canceled four cruises scheduled to travel to China, and four of its ships are now docked in Chinese ports. Passengers can choose alternative sailing dates before the end of 2020 with a $50 onboard credit, or they can get a full refund.Costa Cruises, MSC, Royal Caribbean and Victoria Cruises canceled a combined 18 sailings to China, according to Cruise Critic, a cruise review website. Costa Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, canceled four cruises scheduled to travel to China, and four of its ships are now docked in Chinese ports. Passengers can choose alternative sailing dates before the end of 2020 with a $50 onboard credit, or they can get a full refund.
Royal Caribbean canceled a Spectrum of the Seas cruise, scheduled to sail from Shanghai on Monday, as well as another departure on Friday. The Spectrum of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. MSC canceled its Splendida ship from sailing on Tuesday. Both companies said passengers on the canceled sailings are eligible for refunds.Royal Caribbean canceled a Spectrum of the Seas cruise, scheduled to sail from Shanghai on Monday, as well as another departure on Friday. The Spectrum of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. MSC canceled its Splendida ship from sailing on Tuesday. Both companies said passengers on the canceled sailings are eligible for refunds.
Holland America Line, which is owned by Carnival, changed the disembarkation port for its Feb. 1 sailing on the Westerdam ship, from Hong Kong to Yokohama.Holland America Line, which is owned by Carnival, changed the disembarkation port for its Feb. 1 sailing on the Westerdam ship, from Hong Kong to Yokohama.
Crystal, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea added preboarding health requirements for passengers. Norwegian is using “non-touch” temperature screenings for passengers departing from Chinese ports and will not allow anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to board.Crystal, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea added preboarding health requirements for passengers. Norwegian is using “non-touch” temperature screenings for passengers departing from Chinese ports and will not allow anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to board.
“Those universal things like washing your hands are always recommended,” Dr. Alves said. He also suggested passengers avoid touching their faces, practice coughing etiquette and not cough into the environment.“Those universal things like washing your hands are always recommended,” Dr. Alves said. He also suggested passengers avoid touching their faces, practice coughing etiquette and not cough into the environment.
“Keep some distance from people who are obviously sick and maintain good personal hygiene,” he added.“Keep some distance from people who are obviously sick and maintain good personal hygiene,” he added.
The advice mirrors that given to travelers during cold and flu season. While seat backs and tray tables on long-haul aircraft like those flying to China from the United States are individually wiped down by ground crew between flights, passengers may wish to bring their own wipes for a second pass.The advice mirrors that given to travelers during cold and flu season. While seat backs and tray tables on long-haul aircraft like those flying to China from the United States are individually wiped down by ground crew between flights, passengers may wish to bring their own wipes for a second pass.